(1) Conditions for Use. When the procurement officer determines in writing that the use of competitive sealed bidding is either not practicable or not advantageous to the State, a contract may be entered into by competitive fixed price bidding subject to the provisions of Section 11-35-1520 and the ensuing regulations, unless otherwise provided for in this section.
(2) Fixed Price Bidding. The purpose of fixed price bidding is to provide multiple sources of supply for specific services, supplies, or information technology based on a preset maximum price which the State will pay for such services, supplies, or information technology.
(3) Public Notice. Adequate public notice of the solicitation shall be given in the same manner as provided in Section 11-35-1520(3).
(4) Pricing. The State shall establish, before issuance of the fixed price bid, a maximum amount the State will pay for the services, supplies, or information technology desired.
(5) Evaluation. Vendors' responses to the fixed price bid will be reviewed to determine if they are responsive and responsible.
(6) Reserved.
(7) Award. Award must be made to all responsive and responsible bidders to the state's request for competitive fixed price bidding. The contract file shall contain the basis on which the award is made and must be sufficient to satisfy external audit.
(8) Bids Received After Award. As provided in the solicitation, bidders not responding to the initial fixed price bid may be added to the awarded vendors' list provided the bidder furnishes evidence of responsibility and responsiveness to the state's original fixed price bid as required by the solicitation.